Cultural Fit be Damned! Hire the Whacko!

We have all known someone who didn’t fit in. Perhaps you were the one that didn’t fit in. Do people that don’t fit in ever find a place? Not always. But sometimes they start their own companies. And sometimes a company does find a place for them.

Innovation is the key to success for many companies today. But to be innovative you have to have someone that looks at the world slightly different, or really different, than the majority of the others. “Fit” does not usually produce new ideas.

If you are struggling think about hiring a disruptor. Someone who will come in an unsettle things. I don’t mean by being abusive or anything like that, rather they will come in and ask “why?” or “why not?” They will challenge assumptions. They may challenge authority. They will have crazy ideas. They will have crazy points of view. You will know you have been successful when everyone thinks you are crazy for hiring this person.

Here is a story of a company that hired way outside the bounds of the usual “fit.” The Case for Hiring “Outlier” Employees makes a very good case for why you look for different in order to stop being ordinary.

Omega HR Solutions, Inc. uses creative human resource solutions to provide answers to time, money and service issues with employers and their employees. Visit our Products and Services page for more information or contact us to learn how we can help your organization.

When I read the lead paragraph, my first reaction was no way. Too many managers still hire on skills, fire on attitude. But the more I read the more I agree with you. If everyone on your team sees things one way, then the old metaphor comes true – you have a hammer so everything begins to look like a nail. Building a team with diverse points of views but shared purpose and values is the key. But managers beware! If you want managing people to be easy, hire people who are all alike. But if innovation and growth are important, then you need a diversity.

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About Mike Haberman

I have been in human resources for over 30 years, both as a practitioner and consultant. I am known as "THE HR COMPLIANCE GUY" and as an HR Futurist. I was named an "Influencer" to IBM's New Way to Work panel.

I co-founded Omega HR Solutions in late 2000, beginning operations January 2001. I am a senior HR consultant. I am also an instructor at the University of Georgia School for Professional Education teaching human resources management. Additionally, I present numerous webinars on a monthly basis.

My blog has been published over 10 years and I write for two other sites as well, Workology (formerly Blogging4Jobs) and eSkill. I have been a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) for over 20 years and I have been certified as SHRM-SCP from day one.

With my background, knowledge and experience I help guide companies through compliance issues today and help them prepare for the world of work tomorrow.

Certified Web Based Training

Upcoming ComplyArena HR Webinars

Mike's HR Webinar Schedule With ComplyArena:

Please follow the links and register for your seat today while they are available.

New webinars will be posted as soon as they are scheduled. Go to ComplyArena.com to find out more.

Upcoming Compliance World HR Webinars

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New webinars will be posted as soon as they are scheduled. Go to Compliance.world to find out more.

Upcoming TrainHR Webinars

Mike's HR Webinar Schedule With TrainHR:

July 18 1 pm Preventing mistakes in age discrimination.

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New webinars will be posted as soon as they are scheduled. Follow the link below to review past webinars as well as to see ones in the making. Go to www.TraninHR.com. to find out more.

HR Certification Opportunities

The next certification class I will be teaching will be:

September 2017

Information available at
http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/
courses/human-resources/

If you are in the Atlanta area and would like to explore certification as a Human Resources Professional check out these programs at UGA.